Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
